Holland America Line Wins 'Seafarer of the Year' Award from Lloyd's List for 'ms Veendam's' Rescue of Pilot from Pacific Ocean

SEATTLE, July 5, 2016 /CNW/ -- At the 2016 Lloyd's List North American Maritime Awards, the captain and crew of Holland America Line's ms Veendam were named "Seafarer of the Year" for the rescue of a pilot who ejected from his aircraft in the Pacific Ocean. Holland America Line received the award at a ceremony in New York in May.

The "Seafarer of the Year" award recognizes the skills, bravery and professionalism that seafarers demonstrate daily. On Jan. 25, 2015, Veendam rescued a pilot 225 miles off the coast of Maui, Hawaii, who had to ditch his single-engine aircraft after running out of fuel. The plane had a parachute system and the pilot was able to safely escape into a life-raft where he was retrieved by Veendam.

"Holland America Line employees consistently strive for professional and personal excellence, and to be honored for saving a life is both humbling and rewarding," said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line's president. "On behalf of Veendam's captain and crew, thank you to Lloyd's List for bestowing the honor of 'Seafarer of the Year,' a recognition we greatly appreciate."

"The officers and crew performed exceptionally well and made a dramatic rescue – I am very proud of the Veendam team," added Keith Taylor, executive vice president, fleet operations, Holland America Group, and retired Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard. "This rescue is a great reminder of the commitment all of us at Holland America Line, our sister brands and the cruise industry have in supporting rescue efforts at sea when we are near."

Lloyd's List called Veendam's award one of the "stand-out moments of the gala dinner."

"Whenever the crew of a vessel is actively involved in a rescue it shows the capabilities and the humanity of the profession," said Sander Wielemaker, Atlantic area manager DNV GL, sponsors of the award. "The master and crew, through coordination with the authorities, were able to save the life of the individual and no doubt add a moment of out-of-the-ordinary excitement for the passengers of the cruise ship."

Holland America Line participates in rescues at sea whenever called upon. Also in 2015, ms Zuiderdam rescued eight crewmembers from a sinking vessel in the Caribbean, while ms Zaandam came to the aid of seven stranded crewmembers at the Arctowski Polish research station at King George Island in Antarctica.

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)] Holland America Line's fleet of 14 ships offers more than 500 cruises to more than 400 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies around the world. From shorter getaways to 115-day itineraries, the company's cruises visit all seven continents with highlights including Antarctica explorations, South America circumnavigations and exotic Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; four annual Grand Voyages; and popular sailings to the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Bermuda, Europe and the Panama Canal. The line currently has a new 2,650-guest ship, ms Koningsdam, delivered in April 2016, as well as a second Pinnacle Class ship, ms Nieuw Statendam, due for delivery in November 2018.

The company recently announced $300 million in brand enhancements to secure its position as the leader in premium cruising. Fleetwide, the ships feature innovative initiatives and a diverse range of enriching experiences focused on destination immersion and personalized travel. Guests can expand their knowledge on board at the Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine magazine; Explorations Café, powered by The New York Times; and Digital Workshop powered by Windows. Outstanding entertainment fills each evening at venues including Lincoln Center Stage, Billboard Onboard and B.B. King's Blues Club. The dining experience can be savored at a variety of restaurants with menus that feature selections from Holland America Line's esteemed Culinary Council that comprises world-famous chefs who design dishes exclusively for our guests.